Design Principles for Improved Electronic Communication

CRAP Design Principles

Contrast

Contrast is the element of change or difference that catches the attention of the eye. This helps direct the flow of the reading to keep readers focused and intent on what they will and are reading. Contrast can be utilized in many ways using different spacing between pictures and words, to the change in colors throughout the document, changes in font size and style to recognize the importance of something.

Repetition

Repetition is exactly what it means, but not in redudency in pictures or words. It means to use similar elements throughout the design of the document, this being repetition in heading style or picture usage. This aspect of the CRAP Principles can help the flow seem natural and on the same path that it started on.

Alignment

Alignment helps bring order to the content, if pictures are stack one above the other the sizing should be similar. Edges should meet and align to not feel jagged and unorganized but continue with the flow similar to the other aspects. The best description of alignment is like a teeter totter and the content is the weight. Which side of the paper will sink and which will rise? If it doesn't seem like it would, the overall alignment is symmetrical.

Proximity

Proximity is best explained by the overall organization of the document relative to spacing and placement. Congestion must be avoided to aid in the flow of the paper, if proximity is disrupted the difficulty will increase for the reader. Keeping everything equally spaced and placed in good relativity completes the aspect of proximity.

Uses in My Blog 

I used the CRAP Principles throughout my blog, the main aspect was alignment. The alignment was used in each blog with reference to the use of pictures. I believe the alignment was supplemented by the proximity with pictures to text which help make the blog look neat and organized. The repetition and contrast were attempted to be best matched in the color scheme, best seen in the first blog. I think these principles were great design guidelines when trying to make the blog interesting and worth reading.